Natural Dye - Sumac

Sumac (Rhus spp.) is a tannin-rich natural dye and mordant source prized for its dual role in dyeing. It yields soft greys, beige, or pink-tinted neutrals when used as a dye and builds excellent colourfastness when used as a tannin base. Made from the dried leaves and fruit of the sumac plant, this powder provides smooth, consistent coverage with a mild, earthy tone — a true cornerstone in sustainable natural dyeing.

Benefits
Sumac bridges beauty and practicality — it’s both a dye and a mordanting powerhouse. As a tannin source, it rivals gallnut and myrobalan but with a distinct soft hue that complements warm palettes. Its sustainable origin and gentle performance make it ideal for conscious dyers seeking natural alternatives to chemical mordants.

Perfect For

• Pre-treating cellulose fibres for improved dye uptake.
• Producing gentle neutral tones on wool or cotton.
• Over-dyeing with logwood or indigo for muted cool tones.

Technical

• 100% natural ground sumac leaves and fruit.
• High tannin content for strong fibre preparation.
• Use 10–15% WOF for mordanting or 30–50% as dye.
• Produces soft greys, taupes, and warm beige tones.
• Works on cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
• Enhances brightness and durability of subsequent dyes.